Hyundai Issues Recall: Discover the Issue Impacting 42,000 Vehicles

Hyundai’s latest recall exposes a dangerous flaw that could turn your parked car into a runaway vehicle.

If you own a Hyundai, you should check if you’re affected.

At a Glance

  • Hyundai recalls over 42,000 vehicles due to a critical wiring defect
  • 2025 Santa Cruz and Tucson models can shift out of “park” without brake application
  • Owners advised to use parking brake until free repairs are completed
  • Separate recall of 145,000+ electric vehicles for charging control unit issues

Hyundai’s Massive Recall: A Ticking Time Bomb in Your Driveway?

Hyundai Motor North America has issued a recall for over 42,000 vehicles, targeting the 2025 Santa Cruz and Tucson models. This recall stems from a wiring defect that could allow these vehicles to shift out of “park” without the brake pedal being applied, potentially leading to dangerous rollaway accidents. The recall affects more than 35,500 Tucson and 6,900 Santa Cruz vehicles in the United States, raising serious concerns about vehicle safety and manufacturer oversight.

The Santa Cruz, a pickup truck and SUV hybrid, and the Tucson, an SUV, both have starting prices over $28,000. This recall not only impacts current owners but also casts a shadow over the upcoming release of Tucson hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, scheduled for later this fall. The extent of the recall’s impact on these new models remains unclear, leaving potential buyers in a state of uncertainty.

Safety First: Hyundai’s Interim Solution and Repair Plan

In response to this critical safety issue, Hyundai has advised vehicle owners to take immediate precautions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasized the importance of using the parking brake when parking affected vehicles. This stopgap measure is crucial until owners can have their vehicles repaired at authorized dealerships.

“Owners are advised to use the parking brake when parking the vehicle,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a statement.

Hyundai has committed to addressing the wiring issue at no cost to vehicle owners. The NHTSA stated, “Dealers will reroute the console extension wiring assembly, free of charge.” This repair aims to eliminate the risk of unintended vehicle movement, restoring safety and peace of mind to Hyundai owners.

The gravity of this situation became apparent in late October when a report surfaced of a Tucson moving by itself. This incident prompted a thorough review, leading to the recall decision in November. Remarkably, despite the potential for catastrophic outcomes, no reports of injuries, deaths, crashes, or fires have been associated with this defect as of yet.

Hyundai plans to notify vehicle owners of the recall by mail on January 19, 2025. This timeline raises questions about the urgency of the situation and whether Hyundai is acting swiftly enough to protect its customers. The delay between the discovery of the issue and the notification of owners could potentially expose drivers to unnecessary risks.

Expanding Concerns: Electric Vehicle Recall

In a separate but equally concerning development, Hyundai is also recalling over 145,000 electric vehicles from its Genesis and IONIQ series. This recall addresses potential damage to the integrated charging control units (ICCU), further highlighting the challenges faced by the automotive industry in the transition to electric vehicles.

The affected models include the IONIQ 6 (2023-2025) and Genesis GV60 (2023-2025). Dealers will inspect these vehicles, replace the ICCU and its fuse if necessary, and update the ICCU software at no cost to owners. Notification letters for this recall will be mailed on January 17, 2025, just two days before the notifications for the Santa Cruz and Tucson recall.

Make sure you check the model of your vehicle and take action if you’re affected!

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